Some methods of performance audit

In this article, the author proposes a methodology for conducting an efficiency audit used by the internal audit services of state bodies. In order to effectively use the appropriate time resources to achieve the objectives of the performance audit for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, productivity, priority should be given to the analysis, evaluation of management, finance, information, public services, strategic results, the opinions of the company, the results of audits of authorized bodies, audit bodies and other information of the audited entity for a certain period. High-quality developed special indicators and evaluation criteria and performance audit indicators are the most necessary tool for achieving the audit objective and detailed determination of the results of the object's activities audit based on these indicators.

Taxonomy of European Damaeidae IX. Contribution to the revision of the genus Belba von Heyden, 1826 (Acari, Oribatida)

Genus Belba von Heyden, 1826 sensu lato is revisited on the basis of its suspected polyphyly. New, narrowed and monophyletic definition of Belba is given and Piribelba gen. nov., Eubelba gen. nov. and Arboribelba gen. nov. are proposed as new genera within this group, for well defined groupings of species with shared apomorphies. Additional information on recently defined genus Tokukobelba Lamos, 2016 is provided. Most of known species of Belba sensu lato are attributed to the new genera, few remaining species are not sufficiently known to be undoubtely combined with proposed genera. Differential characters of all genera within the group including the newly proposed genera is given in the form of detailed determination key. Species Belba patelloides (Michael, 1890) is redecribed on the basis of topotypical material. On the basis of types and additional topotypical material, Belba bartosi Winkler, 1955 is redescribed and confirmed as separate taxon; previous synonymy of bartosi and patelloides is rejected. Additional information on B. corynopus (Hermann, 1804), type species of the genus, is given and other species belonging to newly defined genus Belba are discussed. Determination key for all species of Belba is provided. Individuals of Tokukobelba compta (Kulczynski, 1902) from different parts of Europe were compared with topotypical specimens from Tatra Mountains, and additional information about species morphology and its variability is provided. Proposed synonymy of T. compta and Tokukobelba verrucosa (Bulanova-Zachvatkina, 1962) is analysed and discussed.

Using the Ultrasonic Method for the Defectoscopy of Failures in Reinforced Concrete Columns

Using non-destructive diagnostic methods is currently important not only with regard to preserving existing structures but also with regard to sustainable development, which is getting more and more to the forefront of attention. This paper deals with defectoscopy of a reinforced concrete column made with artificially created defects corresponding to the defects in real structures. Modern diagnostic methods enable detailed determination of the properties of structures and detection of their critical points. A method which appears to be very promising in detecting defects and failures is the ultrasonic method. It enables monitoring the development of failures at different levels of loading. Besides that, permanent deformation will also be monitored during the loading using a strain gauge.

Examples of the Use of the ARAMIS 3D Measurement System for the Susceptibility to Deformation Tests for the Selected Mixtures of Coal Mining Wastes

This paper presents the ARAMIS 3D system and examples of deformation susceptibility test results made on mixtures of coal mining waste and recycled tire rubber bound with the use of hydraulic binders. The ARAMIS 3D system is a measurement tool based on 3D scanning of the surface of the tested material. On the basis of the obtained 3D video image, the system allows for the continuous observation of the displacements occurring on the surface of the tested object during its load. This allows for a very detailed determination of the deformation distribution during the material loading. These types of measurement systems can be very useful, especially in the case of testing composite materials and testing materials under cyclic load conditions.

TESS unveils the phase curve of WASP-33b

We present the detection and characterization of the full-orbit phase curve and secondary eclipse of the ultra-hot Jupiter WASP-33b at optical wavelengths, along with the pulsation spectrum of the host star. We analyzed data collected by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) in sector 18. WASP-33b belongs to a very short list of highly irradiated exoplanets that were discovered from the ground and were later visited by TESS. The host star of WASP-33b is of δ Scuti-type and shows nonradial pulsations in the millimagnitude regime, with periods comparable to the period of the primary transit. These completely deform the photometric light curve, which hinders our interpretations. By carrying out a detailed determination of the pulsation spectrum of the host star, we find 29 pulsation frequencies with a signal-to-noise ratio higher than 4. After cleaning the light curve from the stellar pulsations, we confidently report a secondary eclipse depth of 305.8 ± 35.5 parts-per-million (ppm), along with an amplitude of the phase curve of 100.4 ± 13.1 ppm and a corresponding westward offset between the region of maximum brightness and the substellar point of 28.7 ± 7.1 degrees, making WASP-33b one of the few planets with such an offset found so far. Our derived Bond albedo, AB = 0.369 ± 0.050, and heat recirculation efficiency, ɛ = 0.189 ± 0.014, confirm again that he behavior of WASP-33b is similar to that of other hot Jupiters, despite the high irradiation received from its host star. By connecting the amplitude of the phase curve to the primary transit and depths of the secondary eclipse, we determine that the day- and nightside brightness temperatures of WASP-33b are 3014 ± 60 K and 1605 ± 45 K, respectively. From the detection of photometric variations due to gravitational interactions, we estimate a planet mass of MP = 2.81 ± 0.53 MJ. Based on analyzing the stellar pulsations in the frame of the planetary orbit, we find no signals of star-planet interactions.

The Development and Introduction of Modified Machine Guns of the UKM 2000 Family (Calibre: 7.62 mm)

Zakłady Mechaniczne TARNÓW S.A. (ZMT, Tarnów, Poland), the manufacturer of the UKM 2000 family of 7.62 mm machine guns, has extensive experience producing and factory-repairing those guns, and collect the comments and observations of the weapon’s users. Taking them into consideration, ZMT has decided to modify the UKM 2000 family. The decision coincided with the stance of the MoD’s Armament Inspectorate, which suggested implementing such a modification, providing a detailed determination of its range (“Modification Guidelines”). First, the changes were introduced in the infantry version (UKM 2000P), then in the onboard version (UKM 2000C). The core aims of the modification were: increasing the weapon’s reliability and durability, improving the technology and ergonomics, and minimising the number of parts and groups that require individual fitting. Initially, the changes were supposed to encompass only a modest number of parts and groups; however, during the design works, the necessity to introduce deep modifications to the most important rifle elements, i.e. the bolt, the slide, the pin, the gas regulator and the feeding mechanism, appeared. During the research on the 7.62 mm modified UKM 2000P machine guns, properties such as the weapon’s operation in low temperatures, as well as its resistance to dynamic interaction with dust and sand, salt fog, and elevated humidity were investigated. ZMT placed the first batch of the machine guns under monitored operation, and the observations made during use so far clearly confirm the soundness and range of the changes introduced. It should be kept in mind, however, that it is not possible to develop a single, universal weapon configuration that would meet the needs of all users. Direct exchange of feedback between the User and the Manufacturer allows the structure to be optimised and guarantees development in the field in question.

Detailed Determination of Mechanical Fracture Parameters of Concrete after Fire Experiments

The aim of this paper is to describe the procedure of determining the mechanical fracture parameters of selected concrete specimens taken from panels after the fire experiments. The records (in form load vs displacement diagrams) of three-point bending fracture tests of these specimens with initial stress concentrators was first advanced corrected and subsequently evaluated using the Effective Crack Model and the work-of-fracture method. The increasing temperatures during the fire experiments ranging between 550 to 1000 °C led to a decrease of modulus of elasticity and fracture toughness values and to the increase of fracture energy value. The 2D laser profile scanner was used to estimate the degree of complexity of fracture surfaces; its statistical dependence on the mechanical fracture parameters proved to be moderate – the absolute value of the correlation coefficient was about 0.5°[–].

Assessment of Representative Landscape Types of Skalica District

Assessment of landscape quality is not possible without a good local landscape-ecological, social, economic and also political knowledge. When similar scientific researches and proposals for strategic development documents for municipalities and regions are needed, they have to come out mainly from scientific knowledge about unique and rare representative types of landscape. Implementation of a research module of the presented study entitled ‘Assessment of representative landscapes of Skalica district’ represents a complex example of a proposal on the methodical procedure of landscape-ecological analysis of Skalica district. Therefore, the core of this work lies in the detailed determination of the environmental quality of landscapes in Skalica district, which allowed us to evaluate the degree of environmental load and protection of each selected representative landscape type in the model area. This scientific knowledge is in continuation of the project complemented with opinions and attitudes of residents and key stakeholders about environmental, economic, cultural and social problems. The obtained knowledge can help towards optimal use of resources and potentials in the area and thus contribute to improving the overall quality of life in the monitored area.

Studying the dynamic behaviour of porphyrins as prototype functional molecules by scanning tunnelling microscopy close to room temperature

Scanning tunnelling microscopy of the dynamics of functional molecules (porphyrins) close to room temperature enables a detailed determination of the thermodynamic potentials including entropic contributions of the underlying processes.